The Kingly Lamb
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God for his judgments are true and just."...Then I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse? He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems; and he has a name inscribed which no one knows but himself....And the armies of heaven arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, followed him on white horses....On his robe and on his thigh he has a name inscribed, King of kings and Lord of lords. Rev. 19:1-16, RSV.
How does an earthly writer describe a heavenly coming? How does one imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos write about glory and victory? Not very easily. John's language is symbolic throughout Revelation 19 as he seeks to portray the majestic return of the humble Lamb of God who has become the majestic "King of kings and Lord of lords" to rescue His people and destroy those who have wreaked havoc on the earth.
A lot has happened in the life of John. He first knew Jesus as a humble man who healed the sick and fed the multitudes-- man who submissively went to the cross. But now, some 60 years later, that same John receives a glimpse of the humble Galilean in all of His glory.
And here it is that we find the Messiah King that John, Peter, and the Jews in general expected at the First Advent. Deep in Jewish history, as we have seen many times during the year, was the Bible-based belief in a Christ who would come to rescue His people as a conquering David--a Man of war who would release His people from oppression and bondage.
That is what the disciples fully expected of Jesus back in His earthly journey. Their minds had collapsed His two comings into one, and they were totally bewildered when their Christ was led to the cross as a lamb.
But now it is clear to John. The Christ had to become the sacrificial Lamb before He could in righteousness and justice and love assume the role of the conquering King of all nations. At last the fullness of the kingdom has come.
The One who is called "Faithful and True" is returning to fulfill the promises He made on earth. The white horse symbolizes both purity and conquering royalty. And God's people both in heaven and on earth are filled with praise as their Lord at last puts an end to sin.
As the old song goes, "What a day of rejoicing that will be" when we see our personal Savior coming to take us home. I want to be ready to meet my Lord on that day. I look forward to it with all of my heart.
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God for his judgments are true and just."...Then I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse? He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems; and he has a name inscribed which no one knows but himself....And the armies of heaven arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, followed him on white horses....On his robe and on his thigh he has a name inscribed, King of kings and Lord of lords. Rev. 19:1-16, RSV.
How does an earthly writer describe a heavenly coming? How does one imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos write about glory and victory? Not very easily. John's language is symbolic throughout Revelation 19 as he seeks to portray the majestic return of the humble Lamb of God who has become the majestic "King of kings and Lord of lords" to rescue His people and destroy those who have wreaked havoc on the earth.
A lot has happened in the life of John. He first knew Jesus as a humble man who healed the sick and fed the multitudes-- man who submissively went to the cross. But now, some 60 years later, that same John receives a glimpse of the humble Galilean in all of His glory.
And here it is that we find the Messiah King that John, Peter, and the Jews in general expected at the First Advent. Deep in Jewish history, as we have seen many times during the year, was the Bible-based belief in a Christ who would come to rescue His people as a conquering David--a Man of war who would release His people from oppression and bondage.
That is what the disciples fully expected of Jesus back in His earthly journey. Their minds had collapsed His two comings into one, and they were totally bewildered when their Christ was led to the cross as a lamb.
But now it is clear to John. The Christ had to become the sacrificial Lamb before He could in righteousness and justice and love assume the role of the conquering King of all nations. At last the fullness of the kingdom has come.
The One who is called "Faithful and True" is returning to fulfill the promises He made on earth. The white horse symbolizes both purity and conquering royalty. And God's people both in heaven and on earth are filled with praise as their Lord at last puts an end to sin.
As the old song goes, "What a day of rejoicing that will be" when we see our personal Savior coming to take us home. I want to be ready to meet my Lord on that day. I look forward to it with all of my heart.
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